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Detoxification: Is This Controversial Method Safe Or Unsafe?

October 12, 2016

When it comes to Detoxification the most common question that pops up “Is It Safe”, “Is It Beneficial”, “Should I try it”. Today I am sharing with you some interesting information about detoxification which may answer your above questions and help you in making your decision.

Am I on the right track

There is a lot of information, to avoid confusion I have breaked down the topic in different points. Here’s a quick preview of what we will discuss:

1. What is a detox
2. Should you do a detox
3. Expectation during a detox
4. Detox weight loss
5. Myths about detox debunked
6. Meet the Detox Heroes
7. Tips on selecting The Best Detox Program

You will definitely gain some more insights from this blog post. Enjoy sipping a full glass of water while reading this article. By the time you reach the end of this blog you would have consumed something healthy. Feel free to share your thoughts on this article.

Let’s start.

1. What is a detox or detoxification?

In simple terms detox is a method in which a body gets rid of toxic or unhealthy substances. This entire process of body purification is known as detoxification.

2. Wondering whether “I Should do a detox/cleanse”?

Our bodies detoxify naturally through the colon, liver, kidneys, lymph nodes and skin. Our bodies are great at keeping up with the toxins we are exposed to every day.

However, the fourth national report on “human exposure to environmental Chemicals” shows that on an average 212 chemicals were found in people’s blood or urine, 75 of which were never measured before, OMG!.

This shows that today’s environment has so many pollutants that our bodies can’t keep up! unless you are living on another planet :-).

I believe that the increase in chronic disorders like obesity, heart disease, autoimmune conditions like arthritis, spectrum disorders like autism, neurological disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s, digestive conditions like acid reflux, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, respiratory allergies, etc. are all indicative of an overload of toxins that our bodies just can’t deal with naturally.

Supporting your body by doing a detox once or twice a year or as often as necessary can greatly reduce or eliminate these conditions from manifesting themselves.

Plus a detox is a good way to get you back on track to eating real and wholesome meals. It works for me every time because it reminds me of how good these foods make me feel.

Food is fuel to every cell in our bodies therefore it should not be surprising that food alone can make a dramatic difference in people’s weight and overall health but even though I witness this with my clients all the time, it never ceases to amaze me how powerful food really is.

Following are some conditions that might indicate your body is going through toxic overload:

Constipation

Headaches

Joint pain

Fatigue

Weight that won’t budge no matter what.

Skin infections and abnormalities such as cysts, rosacea, acne, and eczema

3. What can you expect during a detox?

Temporarily out of the field

The first few days can be tough but these are signs that your body is eliminating toxins and that is a good sign! So for the first few days you might experience:

Bad breath

Achy feeling all over your body

Constipation

Low energy

Irritability

Body odor

Difficulties sleeping

Nausea

Headaches

However, at around day 4 you should begin to experience:

I can fly

Reduction in cravings

Resetting of your taste buds

Weight loss

Improved digestion

Reduction in aches and pains

Good sleep of 6 to 8 hours

Sustained energy throughout the day

Clear and glowing skin

Strong hair and nails

Better mood and focus

These negative and positive signs will vary depending on how toxic your body is to begin with. Here are some of the best practice to follow while you do your detox program:

Drink plenty of water

Fiber is important

Give your body a 12-hour break from digestion.Tip: No eating or drinking from 8pm – 8am except for tea. Adjust the time frame to your schedule, but give yourself a 12-hour break.

You might want to incorporate detox supplements such as chlorella and probiotics but you don’t have to.Tip: Chlorella is a binding agent so if you are taking medications you must consult with your doctor. In fact you should always consult with your doctor before stating a detox program.

4. Detox for weight loss, is it real?

Weight loss is one of the major benefit of detoxification. Let me explain, when our bodies are loaded with toxins it leads to inflammation.

If you are carrying extra weight, your body is most likely inflammed. According to American Diabetes Association (ADA) there is a connection between inflammation, weight gain and leptin; the hormone that regulates our food intake.

This leads to overeating, your stomach expands and as time goes on you need more and more food to feel full.

Inflammation can be caused by things in the environment such as mold, allergens, mercury and pesticides as well as chronic infections such as bacterial, viral, yeast or parasites.

You can undergo tests to rule out these factors but in terms of everyday health, there are 3 things you can do right now, today! to reduce your inflammation:
1.Follow a detox plan which uses only the power of food to reduce the inflammation in your body.
2.Exercise. If you have not exercised in a while, start slow and build up, 15 minutes is better than none!
3.Reduce your stress either by enjoying a walk outdoors, connecting with a friend, enjoying a relaxing bath, getting a massage, breathing exercises, starting a yoga practice, whatever works for you. You have to do it!

Almost every modern disease is caused or affected by inflammation.

I invite you to listen to a radio show in which I was a co-host and we discussed getting rid of toxic stuff in your life. It’s great for “Spring Cleaning” your life. Check it out. Click HERE.

5. The truth about detoxing – 5 biggest myths debunked

I heard that this is detoxification

Thanks to much of what we hear in the media, detoxing has earned a reputation for being unhealthy and even unsafe.

What do you think when you hear the word “detox,” all-liquid diets, expensive supplements and short-term deprivation for short-term gains?

The truth is, it doesn’t have to involve any of the above—and if you detox in a healthy, supportive manner, you can achieve lasting results in weight loss, energy gain and full-body health.

The following are 5 myths you may have heard about detoxing. Understandably, these myths may cause you to be hesitant to try a detox diet, plan or a program.

Keep reading to find out the truth behind these myths and why detoxing might be just what your body is craving.

Myth #1: Everyone should make their body pure by detox
It is a myth because detox is not for everyone.

I don’t know about Aliens but we are human species and you will agree that every human body is different, so it is not for everyone.

Generally, it is not recommended for people with eating disorders, children, people with eating disorder, etc. but one should consult a good health practitioner before going for opting for any such program .

Myth #2: I will have to eat things which I don’t enjoy
While you might have to eliminate certain foods that you enjoy, but it isn’t all about eating lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil.

There are many delicious recipes that can be prepared using healthy ingredients that not only taste amazing, but nourish and cleanse your body.

The best part is, many of them don’t involve any fancy ingredients and can be prepared even by a cooking novice.

In fact, the participants in my detox program always discover new foods and recipes that they absolutely love that have become staples in their diets long after the program ends.

Myth #3: Detoxing is like going on a hunger strike
Not really, although you might end up consuming fewer calories while following a detox, you shouldn’t feel deprived or hungry.

Going on an extremely low-calorie diet can actually disrupt your hormones and metabolism, making your body less efficient in the long run.

Everyone’s caloric needs are different, so a detox should never dictate how many calories you consume.

By consuming whole foods that provide you with the right nutrients, you help detox your body while feeling satisfied. My participants are always amazed that they never feel hungry during the detox regime.

Myth #4: I will have to do an all-liquid diet to remove toxins from my body.
Liquid-only detoxes have had more than their fair share of popularity. These types of methods can backfire: Not only do people often gain the weight back as soon as the program ends, but such restrictive eating for several days can be detrimental to your health.

An effective detox will include a variety of whole foods to help nourish your body and produce long-term results.

Myth #5: It is just a way for people to make money on expensive supplements.
Wish all of this was true then I would have been a millionaire by now.

Supplements involved in a detox (if any) should be just that, a supplementary part of the program, not the primary source of your nutrition.

While on a detox, you get most of your vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources.

Supplements may be recommended to help your body make the most of the nutrients it receives from these foods.

For example, by including probiotics in your diet, you help your body produce vitamins, absorb minerals and remove toxins from the body.

Aside from the benefits discussed above, detoxing is an incredibly effective way to identify if you have any food sensitivities, balance your hormones, and establish healthy habits for the long term.

I’ve worked with participants during my progam who have not only lost weight and kept it off, but who have also seen their energy level skyrocket, their skin clear up and even their allergies disappear.

Before you try something new, like a detox, it’s normal to feel hesitant. However, there are people who have benefited from this method. Let’s hear it from them.

6. Real people who have benefited from Detoxification

“I was the picture of health…NOT! I drank too much, slept too little. I ate anything that was fast and filling. It was obvious I needed a lifestyle change and some dietary TLC. Then, I met Connie!

She said “what we put in our bodies is what we get out” and emailed me her 7-day detox plan. I lost weight, my energy level increases and for the first time in years my blood work came back normal! Connie helped transform and heal me from the inside and out.”

~Gabrielle Weinstein, Boca Raton, FL

“I lost 5 pounds during the one week detox with Connie Costello. Her support was inspiring. The foods were delicious. It’s amazing how eating well for only a few days can feel so good.”

~Clare, FL

“The spring detox was amazing. The meals were easy to prepare and delicious. I regained my energy, my digestion improved and I had an over all feeling of clarity. I challenge everyone to take just 7 days to see how this detox can change you body, your mind and your future :)”

~Alyson, Boca Raton, FL

Are you ready to discover the benefits of healthy detoxing for yourself? What questions or concerns do you have about participating in a detox?

7. How Should You Select The Best Detox Program?

1. Look for a detox that uses real foods with a strong emphasis on anti-inflammatory foods and no “magic” pills, potions, drinks or powders. A few supplements can be part of a detox depending on your level of toxicity.

2. You should not be starved; your body should be nourished and supported with wholesome foods.

3. A safe detox eliminates potential problem/trigger foods like gluten, dairy, and sugars and maybe others like yeast, corn, peanuts, soy and eggs. These are called trigger foods because they promote a vicious cycle of cravings and addictive behaviors.

Still have doubt on whether you should go for it or not then please feel free to contact me at connie@yourfoodmix.com. I read every email that comes into my inbox and I promise to email you back personally.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on detox; have you tried a detox? Was it benefitial to you? What has helped you in losing weight?

About Connie Costello

I’m Connie Costello, an Integrative Nutrition Coach passionate about food and all that it can do for us. I have created YOUR food MIX program, an individualized weight loss and energy program designed to reduce inflammation and heal your gut using real, wholesome food. I have coached many men and women using this program with great results.